04/03/2009  Shatin  Race 8

THE GOODIES stood flat-footed as the gates opened and lost a considerable amount of ground at the start. On jumping, VICTORY TREASURE was taken back and in the Straight hung in. B Prebble (SPEEDY) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 200 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting out when not clear of LONDON EXPRESS which was carried out when not clear of GOLDEN TREASURE, causing that horse to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. B Prebble was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 2 April 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday 22 March 2009. In addition, B Prebble was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. When questioned regarding the improved performance of LONDON EXPRESS, Mr A Schutz, trainer of the horse, said in his opinion LONDON EXPRESS is best suited when racing on a forgiving surface. He said he was satisfied with LONDON EXPRESS’ only other run on the all weather track when it finished midfield on a rain affected surface. He said in his opinion LONDON EXPRESS was suited by the surface of tonight's track and not having as much pressure applied to it in the early stages of tonight’s race as it did in its most recent start. He said on that occasion he felt too much use had been made of LONDON EXPRESS in a quickly run race and as a consequence the horse did not finish the race off. When questioned, M W Leung (WINBO) said it was anticipated the tempo of the race would be quick and therefore he was asked to ride his mount in about 4th or 5th position if possible He said WINBO was a little slow to begin, then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. He said shortly after the start his mount was carried in by VICTORY TREASURE and therefore he was not able to continue riding along to go forward. He said as a consequence WINBO settled much further back than anticipated. When questioned regarding the poor performance of GREAT HERO, C K Tong said the horse was tonight racing with a tongue tie removed from its gear. He said GREAT HERO travelled only fairly throughout the race and in the Back Straight made respiratory noises. He said in the Straight GREAT HERO did not respond to his riding. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of INDUSTRIAL MARVEL, Apprentice T H So said due to the quick tempo of the race in the early stages, he was required to make considerable use of his mount to obtain a leading position as instructed. He said as a consequence INDUSTRIAL MARVEL failed to finish the race off. The performance of INDUSTRIAL MARVEL, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, INDUSTRIAL MARVEL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JUGGERNAUT, GREAT HERO and INDUSTRIAL MARVEL were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of JUGGERNAUT, GREAT HERO and INDUSTRIAL MARVEL after the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDEN TREASURE, LONDON EXPRESS and SEA TREASURE were sent for sampling.